Water Safety
Whether swimming in a lake, canoeing down a river or setting out on a boating trip, safety must be top of mind every time you embark on an aquatic adventure in Colorado. Read on for the essentials of water safety.
Water Safety
Whether swimming in a lake, canoeing down a river or setting out on a boating trip, safety must be top of mind every time you embark on an aquatic adventure in Colorado. Read on for the essentials of water safety.
Cold Water Shock
Colorado Water Is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers.
Cold Water Shock Is Real: What to Expect if You Fall into Cold Water
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No Lifeguards on Duty
There are no CPW-operated swimming locations with lifeguards on duty at any time. Swimmers are responsible for their own safety. If swimmers need to be rescued, help will not be available immediately which will increase the risks of cold water shock and drowning.
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1. Cold Shock
An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
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2. Muscle Failure
Even experienced swimmers can experience shock within one minute in frigid water and may lose muscle control within 10 minutes. This can make it difficult or impossible to swim.
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3. Hypothermia
Hypothermia can set in quickly, which is when your body’s core temperature drops to dangerous levels. If you are with other people, you can reduce heat loss by huddling together. 75% of victims don’t survive to this point.
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4. Effects of Cold Water Shock
Even if you escape a dangerous situation, cold water can have short- and long-term effects on your health.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution.
Life Jackets Save Lives
The majority of swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking fatalities occur when people are not wearing a life jacket. By keeping you above water, life jackets can be a last line of defense that prevents a bad situation from getting far worse. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while on board any vessel. “Vessels” includes boats, Jet Skis and other personal motorized watercraft, paddleboards and kayaks.
Don't have a life jacket? You can borrow one from one CPW’s life jacket loaner stations. Note: There is no life jacket loaner station at Rampart Reservoir at this time.
Know Your Water
Rivers and Streams
Rivers are powerful and always changing. Understanding the conditions you may encounter, and being honest with yourself about your skills and experience, is critical to a safe day on the water.
Drowning Dangers
Water Levels
Heavy rain and high wind can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Late May and early June are typically when the amount of melted snow that flows down the mountains and into rivers and streams is highest, causing water levels to rise for a few weeks.
Strong Currents
Prepare carefully, especially during high flows. Know the conditions, bring friends and have the right equipment. If using a paddle board, remember that not all boards are made for strong currents. Unlike flatwater paddle boards, river paddle boards have a curved-up design for riding currents and rapids. To prevent drowning, river boards have built-in safety leashes that “break away” if the board or the swimmer get stuck on an object. Flatwater boards do have leashes, but they do not break away.
River Hazards
Know and be aware of river “hazards” – both natural and man-made: holes, wrap rocks, undercuts, rock sieves, horizon lines across the river, low head dams as well as significant rapids and “strainers” (trees in the river).
Know Your Limits
- Be aware of your limitations and those of your fellow boaters and of your equipment.
- Do not boat alone. Two or more boats are safer.
Be Prepared
- Be familiar with current conditions, including water level and weather.
- Familiarize yourself with the particular section of river you plan to boat on.
- Ensure to carry the proper equipment, including a first aid kit, trash and human waste containers, extra layers, and rescue equipment like a throw bag.
- It’s best if you and everyone in your party know first aid and CPR.
- Be prepared to help others should an accident occur. It is up to you and everyone in your boat to be prepared to help each other.
Hire a River Outfitter
For recreationists who want to go rafting but are uncomfortable navigating more challenging water conditions, CPW recommends hiring a Colorado-licensed river outfitter guide to help facilitate your trip.